Mensen met kruiken en ezels bij de bron van Castalia in Delphi before 1905

This photograph by the English Photo Co. captures a scene at the Castalian Spring in Delphi. It was created using photographic techniques common at the time, likely involving a glass plate negative and chemical development processes. The print's materiality is stark; its monochrome palette and grainy texture emphasize the ruggedness of the landscape. The image documents a mundane, even timeless act: the collection of water. Yet, it also hints at the dynamics of labor and class. We see figures, perhaps locals, engaged in the manual task of carrying water, their labor made all the more evident against the monumental backdrop of ancient ruins. The presence of donkeys further underscores this theme, highlighting the reliance on animal labor in pre-industrial societies. The photograph invites us to consider the social context of both its creation and subject matter. It bridges the gap between archaeological documentation and everyday life. It reminds us that even in the most historical of settings, human labor and the necessities of survival remain central.